Average Paralegal Salary in Virginia
Paralegals in Virginia earn an average of $57,386 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.9% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$57,386
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.59
per hour
vs National
-5.9%
$60,970 national
Salary Range
$38,079
to $85,966
About Paralegal Careers in Virginia
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and coordinating litigation logistics. The median annual salary is approximately $59,200, with experienced paralegals at large law firms, corporations, and government agencies earning $75,000–$100,000+. Paralegals who specialize in high-stakes practice areas — corporate M&A, intellectual property, real estate, or complex litigation — command premium compensation and shoulder significant responsibility. The profession occupies a unique space: paralegals perform substantive legal work that would otherwise require an attorney's time, making them essential to law firm economics and the delivery of affordable legal services.
In Virginia, paralegals earn an average of $57,386 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $38,079 for entry-level roles to $85,966 for the most experienced professionals — +5.9% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice area specialty — ip, corporate m&a, and complex litigation pay significantly more than family law or criminal defense, employer type — large law firms (amlaw 100) and fortune 500 in-house departments pay the most, and the specific metro area within Virginia.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$57,386
Cost of Living Index
103
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$55,715
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (above average), a Paralegal's salary of $57,386 has the purchasing power of $55,715 in an average-cost area.
Paralegal Salary by City in Virginia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA | $57,386 | $27.59/hr | $38,079 | $85,966 | 283 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Virginia vs National Average
Paralegal Salary Comparison
Employment in Virginia
There are approximately 283 Paralegals employed across 1 metro area in Virginia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Defense & Military, Technology
State Income Tax: 2% - 5.75%
Paralegal Salary Range in Virginia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$38,079
Starting salary for new Paralegals
Median (50th Percentile)
$57,386
Mid-career Paralegal salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$85,966
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Virginia
Paralegal Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Paralegal salaries in Virginia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Virginia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegal salary in Virginia?
The average Paralegal salary in Virginia is $57,386 per year ($27.59/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.9% below the national average of $60,970.
What is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Virginia?
Richmond, VA is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Virginia, with a median salary of $57,386 per year.
What is the salary range for Paralegals in Virginia?
Paralegal salaries in Virginia range from $38,079 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $85,966 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $57,386 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Virginia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.